The University of Winnipeg and Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre will once again host STEM Days to ignite the imaginations of the next generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professionals.
STEM Days, which take place Wednesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 9, are UWinnipeg’s contribution to Science Rendezvous, a free, family-oriented STEM festival with nation-wide events.
Manitoba’s Science Rendezvous event takes place Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry Campus.
The focus is on equitable and accessible STEM outreach.
Angeline Nelson
The first annual STEM Day took place in 2022 and involved about 150 students. Last year, that number grew to over 550 students.
This year, the event has expanded to two days to accommodate over 1,000 Grade 3-8 students from nine schools (William Whyte, David Livingstone, Sagkeeng Anicinabe, John M. King, Niji Mahkwa, Strathcona, Wellington, Sister MacNamara, and Glenelm).
Students will enjoy more than two dozen interactive workshops. UWinnipeg volunteer ambassadors will tour each classroom group around campus. Funds are raised to provide lunch and offset busing costs.
“The focus is on equitable and accessible STEM outreach,” said Angeline Nelson, Wii Chiiwaakanak’s Director of Community Learning and Engagement. “Ensuring schools have the extra support needed so their students can attend will have a positive impact on our community.”
Dr. Tabitha Wood, Associate Dean of Science and Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry, who has volunteered with Science Rendezvous for more than a decade, said she is proud of the breadth of participation this year.
“We’ve got volunteer faculty, staff, and students from all six Faculties,” Dr. Wood said, “in addition to volunteers from the Collegiate, the Indigenous Summer Scholars Program, the Technology Sector, and the Research Office. It’s truly a team effort!”
For the first time, partner volunteers from RRC Polytech will participate in STEM Days. Dr. Wood said it’s fitting that a science festival should transcend institutional boundaries to benefit the greatest number of students.
Nelson says she’s looking forward to a wide variety of workshop sessions, including a chemistry magic show, drone piloting, fish filleting and dissection with Indigenous science students, and a new workshop on CO2 cars and robotics.
